Socket Concepts

• Specify three parameters:
  • communication style;
    • When data is sent through a socket, it is packaged into chunks called packets. The communication style determines how these packets are handled and how they are addressed from the sender to the receiver.
    • Connection styles guarantee delivery of all packets in the order they were sent. If packets are lost or reordered by problems in the network, the receiver automatically requests their retransmission from the sender.
    • Datagram styles do not guarantee delivery or arrival order. Packets may be lost or reordered in transit due to network errors or other conditions.
  • namespace;
    • A socket namespace specifies how socket addresses are written. A socket address identifies one end of a socket connection. For example, socket addresses
      • In the local namespace are ordinary filenames.
      • In Internet namespace, a socket address is composed of the Internet address of a host attached to the network and a port number. The port number distinguishes among multiple sockets on the same host.
  • protocol;
    • A protocol specifies how data is transmitted.
    • Some protocols are TCP/IP, the primary networking protocols used by the Internet; the AppleTalk network protocol; and the UNIX local communication protocol.